The ‘Wise Woman’ National Programme was launched yesterday at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall Colombo under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. This program was launched with the intention of empowering women to the full potential and get their contribution to the economy.

The percentage of women in the country is 52%. However, a survey has revealed that the share of female labour in the total population is as low as 30 per cent.

The objective of the programme is to provide skills development and vocational training for women and get their contribution to the national economy, the President’s Media Division (PMD) stated in a statement.

Prof. Neelika Malavige, Dr. Asha de Vos, Kasthuri Wilson, Nipuni Karunaratne, Melanie Wagaarachchi, Pavithra Gunaratne, Rangana Weerawardena, Ayanthi Gunasekara, Nelka Shiromala and Thilanka Abeywardena were the women who contributed to the progress of the country by excelling in several fields.

Skills Development, State Minister Seetha Arambepola stated that when women are empowered in our country, the country will not be second to any other country in the face of any challenge.